Introduction:
Krok 1 is a general science exam, which is taken after the students complete the courses in basic fundamental sciences that are covered in the “Krok 1” Test-Based Exam.
It is held during the 3rd year of study. The “Krok 1. Medicine” is for future physicians, the “Krok 1. Stomatology” is for future dentists, the “Krok 1. Pharmacy” is for future pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, and technologists specializing in perfumes and cosmetics.
Minimum Passing Score
Currently, the minimum passing score for the “Krok” Integrated Test-Based Exam and English Language Proficiency Test that are the components of the Unified State Qualification Exam is as follows:
- The “Krok 1” Integrated Test-Based Exam – 60.5 % of correct answers from their total number;
- The Foreign Language Proficiency Test – 30.5 % of correct answers from their total number;
The minimum passing score is approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Decree №1455, adopted by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on June 25, 2020).
All the students, who failed their “Krok 1” Test-Based Exam, can retake this exam. If a student fails to pass the “Krok 1” Exam during any of the subsequent retakes, he/she is to be suspended from the next end-of-semester exams and expelled from the higher education establishment due to his/her failure to complete the curriculum
Krok 1. Medicine Marks Weightage
1.0 Biology (6–8%)
2.0 Normal Anatomy (9–11%)
3.0 Histology (4–6%)
4.0 Normal Physiology (13–17%)
5.0 Biochemistry (13–17%)
6.0 Pathological Anatomy (13–17%)
7.0 Pathophysiology (10–14%)
8.0 Microbiology (7–9%)
9.0 Pharmacology (11–15%)
How to Prepare for the Exam
The question paper usually consists of 60 percent of similar questions from past previous years question papers and 30 to 40 percent of questions are new including 5 percent of questions that are a little bit on the tougher side. Only 60.5 percent passing criteria, revising previous year question paper will make you clear this exam with a little bit of extra knowledge. Usually the pattern of 60 percent of paper is the same every year but with different language. During solving questions try to understand the basis of the question and make sense out of it instead of learning without understanding it. Further sections we will discuss each and everything very clearly just have patience and trust yourself.
As per the weightage described above, It is very easy to conclude that : Normal Physiology, Pathology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology carries more percentage in exam nevertheless all subjects are equally important. Next paragraph, we will discuss in detail about each subject and make it very clear about what to read and what not too.
Biology :
The topics which are usually covered, you already studied during your high school but question are sometimes very tricky. The most important topic are :
- Genetics
- Cell cycle and Division
- Basic Cell Biology
You can find materials on youtube and on websites also. But I would personally suggest to read your University published book on biology as it only covers important topics and is very concise which saves lots of time.
Normal Anatomy:
Anatomy is a very wide subject and it’s almost impossible to learn each and everything. Will try to narrow it down to the most frequent and most important topics where questions are usually being asked.
- Major Blood Supply to major organs : Brain,Heart, Liver, Gastro, Small And Large Intestine, upper and lower limbs.
- Major Nerve Supply to major organs : Brain,Heart, Liver, Gastro, Small And Large Intestine, upper and lower limbs
At last about Muscle innervation very rarely questions are asked including Muscle of arm, hand and Foot.
Histology
Nothing as much to cover just learn which epithelium lines the different body parts or organs. And try to learn different types of vessels on the basis of their gross examination or morphology.
Normal Physiology, Pathology and Pathophysiology
- Heart Physiology, Pathology and Pathophysiology
- Respiratory Physiology (different types of lung volumes and capacity very important), Pathology and Pathophysiology
- Renal Physiology Pathology and Pathophysiology
- GI and their hormones Physiology, Pathology and Pathophysiology
- Different types of brain waves
- Endocrinology Physiology (Hormones and there functions), Pathology and Pathophysiology(Hypo and Hyper thyroidism and parathyroidism, adrenal Insufficiency, Cushing disease and syndrom)
- Movement Disorders
- Inflammation and Its types : Very Important
- Neoplasm : try to understand the type of cancer and which tissue/ organ with its hallmark.
- Autoimmune diseases and Chromosomal mutation disorders
Microbiology
Try to learn morphology and their special characteristics(under microscope examination, types of toxin, and characteristic of clinical sypmpotms. Follow your university lecture material as it consists of very important information only.
Biochemistry
- Glucose Metabolism
- Gluconeogenesis
- TCA and ETC
- FA oxidation
- Fructose and Galactose metabolism
- Lipoproteins
- Glycogen Storage disease
- Amino Acid Metabolism
- Vitamins: very important
Pharmacology
All the topics are very important but most important are as follows :
- Cardiovascular
- Beta Blockers
- Diuretics
- Anti Epileptic
- Antibiotics especially side effects
- NSAIDs
- Glucocorticosteroids
English Proficiency Exam
This exam is very easy and it just checks your basic knowledge. The questions are lengthy but are really very very easy. It contains 30 mcqs and you need to score above 30.5% to pass this exam. Just focus on the main paper and questions in this exam are relatable from Krok 1 exam papers.
My Strategies
Last but not the least, the topics which mentioned above are very important and majority of questions were asked previously from these topics. It is always better to start from the beginning instead of waiting for the last moment. If you are just promoted to 3rd year its much better to start from day one with theory and sooner with questions. Having a good knowledge about theory and basics will make it lot easier to learn questions very easily. And never wait till the end because you also going to have semester exams from other clinical subjects too. The exam is not so difficult and covers 90 percent of basic medical science knowledge. Little bit of hard work from starting will definitely pay off and you can easily score above 80 percent in the Krok 1 examination following revision of previous years papers and extra knowledge from these topics which are mentioned above. And During revision you can choose Kaplan USMLE step 1 book for quick and easy revision as this book only covers important topics. These are my personal strategies which I used during my Krok 1 preparation and I easily scored 84.7 percent in my Krok 1 exam without working too hard and without joining any Krok Coaching institute saving thousands of money. Even lots Of my friends just revised previous year question papers sincerely and were able to clear Krok in the first attempt with a good passing score close to 70 percent. Hope You Like this article And Take a minute to share with you friends and make them happy.